Beirut faces worsening air pollution as reliance on diesel generators increases, posing serious health risks.
Abbie Cheeseman reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Research from the American University of Beirut links diesel generator emissions to a doubling of cancer risk.
- Diesel generators, necessary due to economic collapse, emit high levels of fine particulates (PM2.5) and carcinogens, significantly affecting air quality.
- Healthcare struggles compound the crisis, with treatments becoming unaffordable for many amid ongoing economic turmoil.
Key quote:
“It’s directly related. We calculate the cancer risk based on the carcinogen materials emitted from diesel generators, some of which are classified as category 1A carcinogens.”
— Najat Saliba, atmospheric chemist and lead author of the new study.
Why this matters:
Diesel generators are often used as backup power sources in areas without reliable electricity access, leading to localized spikes in air pollution. In communities with frequent generator use, residents can face significantly higher health risks.
Environmental Health Sciences reporter Kristina Marusic's 2023 book on cancer prevention is a story of hope and what we can do to prevent harmful exposures.
